Crock Pot Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese

This Crock Pot Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese is a rich and cheesy comfort food recipe, which uses pork shoulder and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner, ready in about 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese Ingredients

For BBQ Pork

• 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beer/ale (Vernors preferred)
• 1–2 cups BBQ sauce

For Macaroni and Cheese

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How To Make Crock Pot Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese

For the Pulled Pork

1. Add ingredients to slow cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add pork shoulder and sliced onion. Pour in ginger ale.
2. Slow cook the pork: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred the meat: Transfer pork to a plate, shred with two forks, and discard excess fat.
4. Add BBQ sauce: Discard cooking liquid. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce, and add more if needed to coat the meat. Keep warm.

For the Mac and Cheese

5. Prep and boil pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Make cheese sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in warmed milk. Stir until thick and creamy.
7. Melt in cheese: Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
8. Combine with pasta: Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
9. Assemble and bake: Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with pulled pork and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
10. Finish in oven: Bake for about 15 minutes to heat through. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use the Instant Pot instead? Yes! Set it for 75 minutes on high pressure, then let it naturally release.
• What type of BBQ sauce works best? Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, or spicy—based on your taste.
• Do I have to bake it? Baking helps blend the flavors and melt any extra cheese on top, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
• How to make it creamier? Use freshly shredded cheese and whole milk for a rich and creamy texture.
• Can I prep this ahead? Yes, assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What To Serve With Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese

This dish is filling on its own but goes great with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Cornbread or garlic bread
• A crisp green salad
• Pickled onions or slaw

How To Store Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pulled Pork And Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 1155
• Carbohydrates: 86g
• Protein: 99g
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 277mg
• Sodium: 1184mg
• Potassium: 1643mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 23g
• Vitamin A: 1110IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 693mg
• Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for mac and cheese?
Yes, you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor combos.

Can I make this without baking it?
Yes, but baking helps everything meld together and adds a cheesy top layer.

How spicy is this dish?
It depends on your BBQ sauce. Choose a spicy variety or add chili flakes if you want heat.

What’s the best beer to use instead of ginger ale?
A light lager or amber ale works well to add depth without overpowering the dish.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders
• Crock Pot Pork With Sauerkraut And Apples
• Crock Pot Pork Stroganoff